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Arsenal will be without both Aaron Ramsey and Denis Suarez when they face Wolves on Wednesday, per The Mirror.

The two midfielders are both injured.

What’s the word?

Ramsey sustained a hamstring injury as the Gunners took on Napoli in the Europa League quarter-final in Italy.

With a move to Juventus looming in the summer, the Welshman may well have played his final game for the club.

Suarez, meanwhile, reportedly injured his groin in the clash with the Serie A giants.

Both players missed the 3-2 defeat to Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium as the Gunners suffered a major blow in their quest to qualify for the Champions League via a top-four finish.

Manager Unai Emery is already without Hector Bellerin, Rob Holding and Danny Welbeck, but he could be boosted by the return of Granit Xhaka this week.

The Switzerland international is said to have recovered from a hip injury.

Xhaka and Torreira

This could be something of a blessing for Emery.

Being without both Ramsey and Suarez means that there is an opportunity to embrace the steel in the Gunners’ squad.

A midfield partnership of Xhaka and Torreira could see Wolves nullified in the centre of the pitch, such are their tough-tackling attributes.

Mesut Ozil could then roam around in the attacking third, looking to supply the bullets to both Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette.

Arsenal, ultimately, need to win if they are to stay in touch with both Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea in the top-four race.

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Southampton dropped points from a winning position for the umpteenth time this season as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Watford at Vicarage Road on Tuesday night.

Saints came into the clash against the Hornets knowing that three points would all-but guarantee their spot in the Premier League again next season, and they looked set to get it following Shane Long’s early record-breaking strike.

However, Andre Gray struck for the hosts in the final minute to ensure the shares were spoiled, meaning Ralph Hasenhuttl’s men require a win against Bournemouth on Saturday to reach the magic 40-point mark.

The south coast outfit were already beginning to soak up the pressure as they looked to hold onto their slender one-goal advantage before Long picked up an issue that meant that he had to be replaced in the 78th minute.

With Charlie Austin and Danny Ings on the bench the solution to the problem seemed obvious, with another attacking player needed as an outlet for a rearguard that was severely under the cosh.

Instead, Hasenhuttl introduced young defender Yan Valery in place of the Republic of Ireland international – a decision which ultimately backfired and was labelled as “absolutely bizarre” by one supporter on the Saints Forum.

Rather than having a striker on the pitch to hold things up, every time Southampton did clear the ball it came back at them.

The Austrian manager may realise in hindsight but he should have made a positive change instead of a negative one at that point, even if he wanted to protect the injury-prone Ings ahead of the weekend visit of the Cherries.

That was the substitution that could have altered the outcome of the final 15 minutes or so, and luckily enough for Saints it shouldn’t cost them in the bid to remain in the top flight.

There has no doubt been an improvement in the way that Arsenal have been playing this season. However, finishing in fifth place, it just shows how much work still needs to be done in order for the north London club to compete with the top clubs in the Premier League.

Despite all the talk about their fifth-place finish, Unai Emery has managed to get his side a spot in the Europa League final, which is no easy task, especially with what the Spaniard has at his disposal. Despite doing well in Europe, there will be intense chats between Emery, his staff and the players to evaluate issues and where the club can improve.

Here’s a couple we feel the Spaniard will bring up to the board and his staff.

Defence needed to be strengthened in January

After signing Sokratis Papastathopoulos last summer, there were still major problems within the Gunners’ defence come the January window. Bearing that in mind, it is unclear as to why we didn’t see any new faces join Arsenal heading into the second half of the campaign. It was certainly something that Emery should have demanded, especially after seeing the performances of some players like Shkodran Mustafi.

It will be seen as imperative by the Arsenal fans that Emery manages to bring in another defender to ensure that the backline is a lot more solid come the start of next season.

No quality squad depth 

Similar to the defensive issue, Emery found himself with very little to bring on from the bench throughout the entirety of this term, unless he benched one of his usual starters.

Indeed, this had to be something that the board looked at in January, it had a serious effect on the way the team played towards the end of the season, especially after the away games in the Europa League.

There has to be some serious changes within the squad come the next campaign, and Emery must ensure that he has a big enough squad to compete over the course of 38 plus games.

Manuel Pellegrini’s ability to revolutionize a team’s style is there for all to see, as proved during his stints with the likes of  Malaga or Manchester City.

Now, the task is much bigger at West Ham United, where he won’t get all the luxuries which the elite sides provided. Still, there have been some promising signs during his maiden campaign in Stratford and the Hammers can look forward to an exciting future, should he get his way.

Clearly, there’s some fairly decent money available in the Premier League these days. Indeed, the Irons are set to splash the cash for important recruitments this summer and according to reports from CalcioMercato, they are interested in signing AC Milan’s Hakan Calhanoglu.

Exciting stuff, right?

Well, while he might not have enjoyed the most fruitful season in Serie A, the Turkish midfielder’s talent is unquestionable.

He can fit into West Ham’s attacking style very well and bulk up their attack. Calhanoglu’s impressive passing ability, tendency to chances through the middle or crossing ability can add to the Hammers’ unpredictable attacking line. Most interestingly, though, the 25-year-old can work wonders with Felipe Anderson and Manuel Lanzini, both slightly different than him.

While Lanzini acts as their creative lynchpin and Anderson marches forward for goals, Calhanoglu’s more versatile in making the best of both roles. He can also surge ahead as a winger, or play a more proactive role as a midfielder. By averaging 2.6 key passes, 2.8 shots per game (stats via WhoScored), Calhanoglu’s remained a consistent figure in AC Milan’s attack.

More creativity in a deeper role, as well as someone to put chances on a plate for his teammates during set-pieces, the former Leverkusen ace has the makings of a cult-hero in claret and blue.

The report claims that West Ham have held an interest in the magician for some time now and that the Rossoneri would be looking for around €30m (roughly £25.71m), a fair chunk of the reportedly fairly small budget (as per the Daily Star last month) Pellegrini would be offered in comparison to the £100m spent last year.

Still, he’d be worth it. If managed correctly, the 25-year-old really is that good.

The Turkish international can work to Anderson or Lanzini’s strengths whenever required to. He can influence more freedom for them to express themselves, mixing his silk with their flair and to create a deadly combination for Manuel Pellegrini’s men.

West Ham fans, would you be happy to see Calhanoglu linking up with Anderson and co? Join the discussion by commenting below…

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According to The Express & Star, Rekeem Harper has been offered a new deal by West Brom with discussions being on and off since January.

What’s the word?

Harper is one of the best talents to come through Albion’s academy in recent years but the club could be in danger of losing him for absolutely nothing over the summer.

The 6 ft midfielder has a contract with the Baggies until the end of June but it doesn’t appear as though they’re any closer to a breakthrough over a new deal.

That’s per The Express & Star who have claimed the 19-year-old has been offered a contract in discussions that have been held with the player’s representatives since the beginning of the year.

In recent weeks, Harper has attracted the interest of Tottenham and Norwich according to The Sun on Sunday (3rd May, page 68) and The Sun (10 May, page 57).

Harper needs to stick around

West Brom’s energetic youngster has played in 22 matches across all competitions this term, finding himself a bit-part of the squad predominantly under Darren Moore. However, he’s featured more regularly under Jimmy Shan.

Despite that, he was left on the bench against Aston Villa last Saturday which was somewhat of a surprise given how regularly he’s started in recent months.

Shan claimed that was down to personnel and selection, per quotes in The Express & Star. However, his absence was particularly noticeable, suggesting West Brom need to do all they can to keep him at the club next season.

That, of course, could be out of their hands, particularly if he continues to swat away offers. Considering the Baggies missing a dynamic man in the middle of the park against Villa, they should be doing all they can to get him to agree to terms.

West Brom’s midfield has been an area of strength but it is an ageing part of the team, especially with the likes of Jake Livermore and Chris Brunt. As a result, the Baggies need to ensure they’re bringing through players like Sam Field and Harper.

The latter has had troubles with attitude towards the back end of the campaign but they must now forget about that and keep him around.

Leeds United’s severe drop-off in form over the past few weeks must be hugely concerning for their supporters, right?

Since the Whites beat Sheffield Wednesday 1-0 at Elland Road on April 13th, they have failed to record a victory in the Championship as defeats to Wigan Athletic and Brentford coupled with a draw against Aston Villa resulted in the club being eliminated from the race for automatic promotion.

Although these results would have irritated manager Marcelo Bielsa, it could be argued that Sunday’s dismal 3-2 defeat against already-relegated Ipswich Town was the worst of the lot. Despite the fact that the Tractor Boys had only won four games all season heading into this clash, goals from Flynn Downes, Andre Dozzell and Collin Quaner secured all three points for Paul Lambert’s side.

In what was an embarrassing afternoon for Leeds in which they failed to capitalise on their opponents being reduced to ten men, one player in particular demonstrated why he should not be selected for the club’s play-off semi-final showdown with Derby County.

Having been asked to cover at full-back for the Whites in the absence of Barry Douglas and Ezgjan Alioski, Stuart Dallas produced a naive defensive display which saw him fail to cope with Dozzell who constantly targeted the Northern Ireland international.

Whereas he did provide plenty of attacking intent for the Yorkshire-based outfit which eventually led to him scoring at Portman Road, the £1.8m rated ace’s (via Transfermarkt) dreadful positioning resulted in him being directly at fault for Ipswich’s second goal.

With there being no room for error heading into the play-offs, Dallas’ failure to impress at the weekend has provided Bielsa with a huge problem as Leeds’ injury crisis means that he may have to play Gaetano Berardi out of position.

Although the Swiss star would offer more defensively in comparison to Dallas, it would be a huge risk to start him against Derby when you consider that his ill-discipline has resulted in him receiving numerous suspensions over the past five years.

What do you think Leeds fans? Should Bielsa drop Dallas for the club’s play-off clash with Derby? Who would you like to see start at full-back next Saturday? Let us know below.

On the outside looking in, Leeds United’s failure to secure promotion during the 2018/19 campaign could be attributed to their failure to deal with the pressure of expectations.

Yet although this is partly to blame for their implosion in recent weeks, it could be argued that a lack of sufficient defensive cover has been the over-riding issue for the Whites this year.

Having entered their ill-fated play-off clash last Wednesday with three of their regular starters missing from the starting eleven due to injury, Leeds ultimately paid the price as they were eliminated from the competition by a Derby County side who were able to fire four goals past the hapless Kiko Casilla.

Consigned to another season in the Championship, it is clear that in order to bounce back next year, Marcelo Bielsa must strengthen his options in defence over the summer.

According to L’Equipe, the Argentine is reportedly targeting a move for Yoann Barbet who is without a club after being released by Brentford earlier this month.

An outstanding defender, the £900k-rated ace (via Transfermarkt) made over 100 appearances for the Bees during his four year stint at Griffin Park and is known for his versatility having filled in on numerous occasions at full-back.

Given his vast amount of experience of playing in the second tier, Barbet could be the ideal replacement for Liam Cooper who faltered towards the end of Leeds’ campaign this year.

Considering the fact that the Frenchman would not cost the Whites anything in terms of a transfer fee, it could be quite a coup if Bielsa can convince him to make the switch to Elland Road.

What do you think Leeds fans? Would you welcome a move for Barbet this summer? If not, who would you like Bielsa to sign in the transfer window? Let us know below.

دافع لاعب برشلونة، الدولي الإسباني سيرجي روبيرتو، عن سيرجيو راموس مواطنه وزميله في منتخب لاروخا، بعد أن أهدر الأخير ركلتي جزاء أمام سويسرا.

وتعادل منتخب إسبانيا بهدف لكل فريق أمام نظيره سويسرا، أمس السبت، في دوري الأمم الأوروبية، وأهدر راموس ركلتي جزاء، تصدى لهما الحارس سومير.

طالع أيضًا.. إنريكي عن إهدار راموس ركلتي جزاء: لن ننتقده.. وكنا نستحق الفوز أمام سويسرا

وقال روبيرتو في تصريحات نقلتها صحيفة “موندو ديبورتيفو” الإسبانية، بعد المباراة: “اليوم كان يمكن أن نفوز، لكننا قدمنا مباراة جيدة جدًا، الكرة لم تكن ترغب في الدخول”.

وأضاف: “راموس هو شخص قيادي وفائز بالفطرة، لا داعي للقلق بشأن إهداره ركلتي جزاء، هو يمتلك من الخبرة ما يجعله يتغلب على ذلك”.

وشدد: “إذا كانت هناك ركلة جزاء أخرى، كان سيسددها ويسجلها، نحن نثق في عقليته”.

واختتم: “بوسكيتس طلب التغيير ولكني آمل أن يكون جيدًا، وسنرى ما سيحدث”.

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Celtic fans will love the latest transfer rumour, as reports claim the Bhoys will try to re-sign Patrick Roberts this summer.

What’s the story?

According to Football Insider, Celtic want to bring Roberts back to Parkhead after a woeful loan spell in Spain.

The 22 year-old was wonderful during his loan stay at Celtic from Manchester City, but his future with the Cityzens is in doubt after mustering just one assist and no goals in 19 appearances on loan with La Liga outfit Girona this term.

He is out of contract in the summer of 2020, meaning Pep Guardiola’s side could well look to cash in this year, and the Bhoys are “keeping close tabs” on the situation, per Football Insider.

Perfect signing?

Chris Sutton has called for Celtic to sign some difference-makers this summer, believing they rely too much on a certain way of playing and do not have the versatility to continue picking up results in this matter.

Sutton asked BT Sport: “When was the last time a Celtic striker scored a header?”

Providing they do indeed go out and sign a target man to act as foil for Odsonne Edouard, then bringing in Roberts as well should be a no brainer, and a signing that grants exactly what Sutton is requesting.

Former Wigan & Fulham man, Jimmy Bullard recently showed that he’s still got it! Check out the video below…

The 22 year-old racked up 18 goals but 26 assists in his last spell in Glasgow, and his ability to ghost past defenders and whip balls into dangerous areas will make a massive difference when the Hoops are struggling to break down packed defences.

Roberts is already popular with fans, valued at just £4.5m (Transfermarkt) because of his contract situation and adds yet another creative outlet during the type of slog-fest games that have become a regular occurrence under Neil Lennon. He is a must-have for the Bhoys this summer.

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According to Turkish media outlet Sporx, Wolves are interested in Croatian defender Domagoj Vida.

This isn’t the first time he’s attracted the eyes of the Midlands club, though. Last summer, Sabah claimed they were targeting the 29-year-old but a move never materialised after they reported that he could have been available for €18m (£15.56m).

The price tag now, however, has dropped, as Sporx claim a fee of €15m (£12.95m) may be enough to prise him away. Transfermarkt currently rate the player at £9m.

A year on from when their initial interest spawned, it will be intriguing to see whether one of the stars of the World Cup in Russia finally makes his move to the Premier League.

With this in mind, Football FanCast writers have given their verdicts on whether they think Vida would be a hit at Molineux.

Harry Sherlock:

“No one really knows. Vida is something of an unknown quantity and, at the £15m quoted, would be a major risk for Wolves, who have had such a solid record in defence. He did play well during Croatia’s run to the World Cup final but an old adage goes that clubs should not sign players based on their displays in major tournaments.”

Jack Saville:

“It would be an absolute steal for Wolves to land Vida at just £15 million. He is a player with rich experience at both club and international level and the fact he made Dejan Lovren look like an excellent defender at the World Cup tells you all you need to know about the extent of his ability. Wolves are lacking depth in central defence but his arrival would go a long way to solving that problem. Boly and Coady would be delighted to have a player of his pedigree playing alongside them next season.”

Billy Meyers:

“Whilst he was a colossus at the World Cup, Domagoj Vida should not be a player on the radar of any Premier League club in truth, let alone the ambitious Wolves. The centre-back will be 30 in a matter of days, so for the quoted £15m price tag, the Croatian wouldn’t represent a good long-term investment – in some ways, he would just be yet another Ryan Bennett, which would leave Wolves needing to replace two members of their backline in a few years.”

Matt Dawson: 

“Vida was absolutely sensational in Croatia’s run to the World Cup final last summer but his quality outside of playing for his national team is rather unknown. Having played just once in Europe’s top five leagues you have to doubt whether he’d have the quality to be a hit with Wolves in the Premier League. Nuno Santo needs greater depth but signing a player who’s soon to become 30 for such a fee would be questionable business.”